Mafia's Coded Heart

ter

id's

danced across the walls, casting a kaleidoscope of colors, as laughter, clinking glasses, and the acrid smell o

preneurs, who had eyes for good stuffs like me. There were also the regulars: Jack, the charming but ruthless real estate mogul, and Marcus, the soft-spoken tech inves

of shady deals and dangerous people, yet it was also my sanctuary. Some might say it was an odd place to hide, considering the danger that

t off, though. I knew the regulars, but one man stood out. The air around him seemed to vibrate, drawing subtle glances and hushed murmurs as he navigate

San

out men like him - men who spelled instant death if crossed. His reputation preceded him, a trail of rumors and half-tr

ent clubs like this without a reason, and I had an uns

suppress it, to focus on my job and blend into the background. But there was something ab

sitated, my feet rooted to the spot. Luca Santoro sat at table F, h

king on its prey. My pulse quickened but I kept my expression neutral, forcing a smile as I approached the table he w

voice light and smooth. "Ca

y body, assessing me like I was some merchandise he was considering buying. I

asked, his voice low and smooth

fraction a second, befo

. "Astrid. A pretty name for a pretty face." He leaned back in his seat, hi

n neutral. "I think you've got the wrong person

g one. "You see, I've been looking for someone with a particular set of skills and that led me to Ash Veg

d, trying to ke

s bad,

ile but they could still find me if they wanted to? "I thin

words but the glint of the predator in his eyes remaine

And for someone who was on top of the food chain to come down here looking for me,

going to work for me." He finally said aft

t instant, his smile vanished, replaced with a cold d

ve a choice,

ed to leave, but one of his men stood in my way, his expression blank but threatening.

self." He said softly. "You are comin

s trying my best to keep calm. "

the reason but I guess I was wrong." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small vial. I've s

it was too late. His hand clamped down on my arm as he pressed the vial agains

red, the room spinning as the

t, he had